Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) can feel like trying to breathe through a wet towel. In addition, your organs may experience oxygen deprivation, resulting in lower levels of oxygen function. ARDS can have a massive impact on your quality of life, preventing you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed and robbing you of your independence.
ARDS can have many causes. Sometimes, it is the result of someone else’s negligence, such as in the case of, medical malpractice. Accidents or assaults that impact the head or chest or inhaling noxious substances can also cause the disorder. A Philadelphia Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome lawyer could help you explore whether negligence is at the root of your condition and, if so, what legal remedies are available. Schedule a consultation with a medical malpractice attorney at Marrone Law Firm, LLC, to learn more.
ARDS is a life-threatening lung condition causing fluid buildup in the lungs. This accumulation of fluid prevents the lungs from taking in enough oxygen, leading to severe breathing difficulties. It is a potentially fatal and usually progressive condition. Victims can expect to struggle with breathing difficulties, require extensive medical care, and may even have to rely on mechanical ventilation to support breathing.
The lungs are like a collection of millions of tiny balloons. These air sacs, known as alveoli, fill with air when a person takes in oxygen. With ARDS, a lung injury results in fluid leaking into the alveoli, hindering oxygen exchange.
Symptoms of ARDS include severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, low blood oxygen levels, and chest discomfort. When oxygen deprivation is severe, victims may experience cyanosis—bluish skin discoloration. Doctors diagnose this condition by taking X-rays of the lungs and using blood gas analysis to examine oxygen levels.
Unfortunately, treatment options are limited. There is no cure for ARDS, though palliative care can help patients deal with their discomfort. Some potential treatments include oxygen therapy, fluid management, and mechanical ventilation. Additionally, treatment for underlying conditions contributing to symptoms may offer some relief.
These treatments can be expensive and time-consuming. A Philadelphia ARDS lawyer could help ensure that negligent parties pay for treatment and compensate victims for their losses.
Lung injuries cause ARDS. Some of the most common injuries leading to the condition include:
While ARDS does not spontaneously develop, certain conditions put individuals at higher risk of developing the condition. These conditions can include:
Because the condition often accompanies medical procedures, the appropriate standard of care involves considering risk factors and taking measures to help avoid disease development.
Prompt treatment can help patients receive a better prognosis. However, some of these treatments, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, come with risks and can lead to additional issues like organ damage, collapsed lungs, infections, blood clots, high blood pressure, and scar tissue. A Philadelphia ARDS attorney could look at the damages from ARDS or treatments related to the condition, and help assign a value to all losses.
An ARDS diagnosis is terrifying for victims and their families. Finding out that one has an irreversible, potentially life-threatening condition is emotionally overwhelming. It can change your entire family dynamic, drain your finances, and lead to substantial pain and suffering.
While nothing can reverse an ARDS diagnosis, compensation can help ensure you get the treatment you need and the funds necessary to compensate for missed work and other damages. A Philadelphia Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Lawyer from Marrone Law Firm, LLC could help. Schedule a case evaluation to learn more about your potential remedies with our personal injury team.